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April 16, 2026

Defense News: Washington Guard builds readiness with new Executive Officer Course

Source: United States Army

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. — The Washington Army National Guard launched its inaugural Executive Officer Course April 11–12, equipping junior officers with the skills and clarity needed to strengthen company-level operations across the force.

Designed to prepare company executive officers for their critical role within the command team, the two-day course focused on practical training, standardized processes and the tools needed to execute a commander’s intent — addressing a long-standing gap in how new XOs transition into the position.

The training brought together primarily new lieutenants from across the state, many arriving eager to support their units but unsure how to fully integrate into company-level operations. By the end of the course, that uncertainty had largely been replaced with clarity and confidence.

“Students came in wanting to help but not always understanding where they fit,” said Capt. Brandon Roth, XO course officer in charge. “They left with a clear understanding that the XO is not just a supporting role, but a pivotal leader responsible for resourcing operations and enabling mission success.”

The curriculum covered key XO responsibilities, including logistics, legal processes, command discipline programs and administrative requirements. Instruction came from a mix of field-grade officers, noncommissioned officers and warrant officers who shared practical, real-world experience.

The course also gave junior officers a rare opportunity to connect across units and specialties, allowing them to exchange challenges, solutions and best practices while building a network that extends beyond the classroom.

“The networking alone was huge,” said Roth. “You don’t often get the chance to sit down with other XOs and talk through how things actually work in the units.”

Participant feedback indicated the course met its intent of improving confidence and readiness. Attendees also recommended adding more hands-on training and practical exercises, expanding access to key systems, and opening the course to platoon leaders and officers projected to serve as XOs.

Course leaders agreed.

“The most significant takeaway is the clear and urgent need for this course,” said Roth. “Attendees consistently expressed that this knowledge is essential and that without it, new XOs are not fully prepared for the scope of their duties.”

Washington Army National Guard leadership is considering making the XO Course a mandatory requirement for all newly assigned company executive officers, with potential expansion to include all newly commissioned lieutenants. As the program evolves, future iterations are expected to incorporate more interactive training, enhanced resource guides, and expanded networking opportunities, further strengthening the next generation of leaders and ensuring units across the state remain ready, capable, and mission-focused.

Defense News: Maryland Guard Enhances Response With K-9 MEDEVAC Training

Source: United States Army

EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers conducted medical evacuation training with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, integrating local law enforcement K-9 units during an exercise at Lauderick Creek Military Reservation, April 1.

The training brought together about 30 participants from Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Police, along with eight police dogs. The exercise aimed to improve interagency coordination and prepare medics and aviators to treat both handlers and K-9s in complex emergency scenarios — a capability not routinely trained for.

“While I was deployed to Kosovo in 2021, there was a K-9 unit there, and I had been tasked with creating a K-9 medical bag. I remember feeling that the training I had up to that point was inadequate for what I would need if there was an actual emergency involving a K-9,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joanna Adams, flight medic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “After I came back from deployment, I started looking into getting training for my unit with K-9s.”

Two scenarios were conducted simultaneously, exposing participants to a range of operational and medical challenges.

One scenario focused on familiarizing K-9s with helicopter operations, including noise, rotor wash and environmental stressors. Guardsmen executed hoist operations with Montgomery County officers using a rescue seat and a plastic stretcher for non-ambulatory patients, while ground crews controlled a tagline to stabilize the load.

The second scenario introduced a complex tactical medical situation involving Cecil County officers and their K-9s. In the simulation, a K-9 and its handler were injured by a hostile drone strike, while a detained suspect sustained a bite wound during an escape attempt. Medics assessed and triaged patients under stress before evacuating them by air. During the flight, crews treated the handler’s injuries and dressed the K-9’s simulated wounds.

“Our medics and crew chiefs enjoyed being able to use skills that we do not get to use very often, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with these civilian units,” said Adams. “The most rewarding thing I learned was that even when things were not going 100% the way I had planned, everyone was still learning, and sometimes the deviations were better than what the original plan was in the first place.”

The event built on previous collaboration with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office last summer, when K-9 teams received initial aircraft familiarization and practiced hoist operations using a basket lift.

During the training, law enforcement officers also shared techniques for safely disengaging a K-9 from a bite and responding if a medic is accidentally bitten while rendering aid.

“Not only do we have the fortune of building strong foundations in the units we serve in and are able to effect change over many years, but we also directly impact the community we live in,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Colin Winand, flight paramedic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “Knowing that I can assist my neighbors while completing missions makes the desired outcome that more important.”

Treating both K-9s and their handlers requires specialized knowledge, including assessing vital signs and understanding the effectiveness of medications for working dogs. The training gave medics and aviators a rare opportunity to practice those skills in realistic conditions.

“It was really great to work with the police dogs and their handlers before a real-world emergency,” said Adams. “Knowing what works and what doesn’t is really important when working with animals before a bad day happens. I was really impressed with the dogs and the officers. They are very well-trained, so it makes it easy to work with them and determine best practices so we can be ready to respond for our state and nation when we are needed.”

Defense News: Increased airspace enhances Wisconsin National Guard training

Source: United States Army

ARCADIA, Wis. – Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Facility at Camp Douglas conducted small UAS training at the Arcadia Armory April 1.

The training marked the organization’s first use of statewide Class G airspace recently authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, for small UAS training operations.

In addition to the FAA authorization, the National Guard Bureau issued an amendment to the Wisconsin National Guard Airborne Imagery Proper Use Memorandum. The memo requires intelligence oversight to protect the constitutional and privacy rights of Wisconsin citizens and states that all UAS activities must comply with U.S. executive orders, laws, statutes, directives and policies.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan Olson, UAS operations technician for NGB’s Air and Space Division, relayed that the bureau’s role in Wisconsin’s expanded small UAS airspace was primarily providing the coordination and support necessary for the successful approval of the authorization.

“Wisconsin demonstrated that broad, multi‑airspace UAS authority could be safely granted, responsibly managed and effectively executed at the state level,” said Olson. “As similar authorizations are pursued across other states, we anticipate improved training flexibility, reduced administrative burden and a more consistent operating framework for National Guard small UAS activities nationwide.”

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lucas Gordon, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s UAS operating facility commander, emphasized the importance of securing the expanded training airspace, given the significant role commercial drones have played in both domestic operations and modern warfare.

“The infantry company here in Arcadia could utilize an asset like that for force protection or reconnaissance of an area that they might traverse,” said Gordon. “The ability to see over distant terrain features directly contributes to the safety of our Soldiers.”

Prior to the new FAA authorization, Wisconsin National Guard UAS training was restricted to the airspace over Fort McCoy, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and Hardwood Air-to-Ground Weapons Range. Under the new allocation, training can be accomplished at 24 locations throughout the state, with an additional eight currently undergoing the authorization process.

“For units as far away as Spooner, Wisconsin, for example, how many hours away is the closest of those three places to allow soldiers to train to this critical skill set?” said Gordon.

According to Gordon, maintaining proficiency for traditional Guardsmen requires considerable preplanning and highly efficient use of limited training time.

“Maintaining individual currency with small UAS operations requires a flight evaluation twice annually,” he said. “The goal is to train instructors who can conduct those evaluations at home-station armories.”

Sgt. Skylor Olson, UAS instructor-operator, and Staff Sgt. Jesus Rivera, UAS squad leader, is assigned to the UAS operating facility at Camp Douglas. Both accompanied Gordon to the Arcadia Armory to conduct small UAS training in the newly authorized airspace for the first time.

Rivera explained that the Army recently merged two UAS positions into the combined Tactical UAS Operator/Maintainer military occupational specialty. He believed that the additional training airspace would significantly benefit the growing career field.

“Whether for commercial, law enforcement or military applications, I believe the use of small UAS will continue to grow,” said Rivera. “They represent the future of our career field, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Baltimore Man Sentenced for Armed Robberies, Carjacking, Assaulting Federal Officer

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for his role in robbing multiple local commercial businesses and then later assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal while at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore. U.S. District Court Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Sharif Northington, 23, of Baltimore, to 10 years in prison and one year in prison, consecutive to the 10-year sentence, for intentionally assaulting an officer and employee of the United States.

April 16, 2026

Another Operation Sweet Silence Defendant Convicted at Trial

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Fernando Brown, also known as “Nino,” 33 of Columbus, Georgia, a repeat offender, was convicted today by a federal jury of distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana while armed. A total of 30 defendants have now either been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty to drug charges resulting from Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency law enforcement effort in and around Columbus, Georgia, as part of Operation Take Back America, the Department of Justice’s nationwide effort cracking down on criminal organizations and cartels.

Following a four-day trial, the jury found Brown guilty of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 100 pounds of marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This defendant was responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in the Columbus, Georgia area,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His crimes fueled violence and harmed the community until federal, state, and local law enforcement worked together to dismantle this criminal organization. The Department of Justice remains committed to prosecuting those who traffic dangerous drugs and threaten the safety of our communities.”

“Although this case closes a significant chapter in Operation Sweet Silence, our commitment to dismantling armed drug trafficking organizations is unwavering,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Together, law enforcement and prosecutors will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of the communities we serve and bring them to justice.”

“Criminal Street gangs were responsible for a wave of violent crime in and around Columbus,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Bilson of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. “Columbus is a safer place now that the FBI and our partners have effectively dismantled this armed drug trafficking organization. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to keep our streets safe.”

“This investigation represents the very best of law enforcement collaboration,” said Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Federal, state, and local partners worked side by side for years to uncover the full scope of this criminal enterprise and ensuring every individual responsible faces justice. With the conviction of this defendant, we are getting closer to holding all individuals involved accountable. Our communities are safer today because of the dedication and teamwork of the investigators and prosecutors, and we are committed to bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, federal and local law enforcement conducted Operation Sweet Silence from August 2022 until May 2024, an extensive investigation into the illegal activities of the Zohannon criminal street gang involving armed drug trafficking. Agents discovered that Brown, who is not a member of the Zohannon organization, was working with others to dominate the illegal drug market in Columbus by supplying methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine.

Trial evidence revealed that Brown was captured on a wiretap discussing the distribution of methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine. During the execution of search warrants at Brown’s drug trap house on 10th Street and his residence on Rosewood Street, both in Columbus, law enforcement seized methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and seven firearms.

Cocaine hidden under a sink and seized at trap house

Semi-automatic pistol and ammunition seized at trap house

Other defendants, all from Columbus unless otherwise indicated, were indicted across nine separate indictments and have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial, with some already sentenced by the court. Operation Sweet Silence defendants are:

Freddie Bowens, also known as Profit, 27, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the illegal possession of a machine gun.

LaBrandon Brown, 31, was sentenced to four years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.

Jantzen Carter, 40, of Waverly Hall, GA, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Ulises Cervantes, 33, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

Anthony Champion, 46, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Trenton Clemons, 48, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Dequindre Dawson, 33, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.

Nicholas Fitzpatrick, 30, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Terry Gash, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

Undrae Hayes, 37, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Roderick Hicks, 59, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Christopher Hill, 36, was sentenced to two years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.

Marquez Holloway, 32, was convicted at trial of drug conspiracy and drug distribution and is awaiting sentencing.

Darius Jenkins, 24, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Jeffrey Kimbrough, 29, was sentenced to three years of probation for drug conspiracy.

Hykeem Lomax, 33, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.

Quadarius Lusk, 30, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.

Aundray Morgan, 39, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.

Tommie Mullins Jr., also known as TJ, also known as Bo, also known as Mini, 31, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Javonta Paden, 25, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Adrian Palmer, also known as AP, 25, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.

Adrian Pleasants, 29, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Derrick Porter, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

Dahvontay Richardson, 28, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Trenton Thomas, also known as Bubble, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for drug conspiracy.

Juan Carlos Torres-Arzapalo, 41, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.

Corey Turner, also known as Lito Red, 33, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Jhy’Keith Williams, 24, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun.

Malik Williams, 27, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.

Leonard Campbell, 36, of Columbus, is charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing a maximum penalty of life in prison.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Muscogee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Ofﬁce with critical assistance from the Harris County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; the Russell County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office; the Coweta County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; and the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

April 16, 2026

Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of Immigration and Identity Fraudster

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Department of Justice has secured the denaturalization of Gurdev Singh Sohal, also known as Dev Singh, also known as Boota Singh Sundu, who naturalized in 2005 despite having been ordered deported in 1994.

After receiving a deportation and exclusion order under the name Dev Singh, Sohal failed to leave the country, and, instead, acquired a new identity with a different and fictitious name, date of birth, and date of entry into the United States. Sohal naturalized under the new and assumed identity. Sohal withheld his prior immigration history under the Dev Singh identity in any of his immigration applications or proceedings under the new identity.

“This case shows this Administration’s strength and commitment to ensuring the sanctity of U.S. citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security reflects a strong partnership to protect the nation against immigration and identity fraud.”

This case was investigated as part of the Historic Fingerprint Enrollment project, an ongoing national initiative between the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Expert analysis in February 2020 confirmed that the fingerprints submitted under both identities came from the same individual. The analysis was only made possible after DHS digitized the paper fingerprint submission documents from older immigration files.

On April 13, the court found that Sohal illegally procured his U.S. citizenship because the unlawful acts he committed in hiding his prior identity rendered him unable to show that he had the requisite good moral character to naturalize.

This case was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from USCIS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

April 16, 2026

Member of the U.S. Coast Guard charged with making false statements, fraudulent claims against the United States, wire fraud, and theft of government property

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 30, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Mario Guzmán with four counts of false statements, four counts of fraudulent claims against the United States, four counts of wire fraud, and four counts of theft of government property, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Southeast Region.

April 16, 2026

Member of the U.S. Coast Guard charged with unlawful activities including aggravated identity theft and falsification of records

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 30, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Carlos Esteves-Salinas with 12 counts of unlawful activities of officers and employees in claims against and other matters affecting the Government, 12 counts of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, and 12 counts of aggravated identity theft, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Southeast Region.

April 16, 2026

Defendant Sentenced To Prison For Hacking Betting Website

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that KAMERIN STOKES, a/k/a “TheMFNPlug,” was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to hack user accounts on a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts, resulting in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the users.

April 16, 2026

Former Track & Field Coach Charged in Superseding Indictment for Child Exploitation

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging former track and field coach Miguel Ángel García-López, 29, from Carolina, Puerto Rico, for child exploitation, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. García-López was arrested on December 12, 2025, and is in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.